Cuba Scolds “Interventionist” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires

Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement last week saying it had issued a “verbal note of protest” to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Hammer for his “disrespectful conduct.”

Since his arrival in Cuba last year, Hammer has met with dissidents frequently, both outside Cuba and on the island.

He has also become a regular presence on social media, where he has posted several videos encouraging Cubans to reach out to him about their “concerns” and “dreams.”

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mike Hammer posted this video on social media during a visit to Camagüey, Cuba.

Hammer’s travels around Cuba are happening in the context of increased U.S. regime change efforts, including an intensification of U.S. sanctions that has fueled the economic crisis at the root of most Cubans' concerns, and millions of dollars in "democracy promotion" funds channeled to political actors on the island.

Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized Hammer’s behavior as “interventionist and unfriendly,” and a "violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

For context on Hammer’s stint as the top U.S. diplomat in Cuba, check out our article: Is the U.S. trying to provoke a rupture of relations? ​